Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.